Chief Scientist and Research and Innovation Foundation president Nikolas Mastroyiannopoulos on Wednesday praised the role of the state in fostering innovation and promoting the use of technologically advanced solutions in Cyprus.

Speaking during an event held by the foundation at the ministry of finance in Nicosia, Mastroyiannopoulos referred to the key role that public innovation procurement agreements can play in Cyprus.

These agreements, he explained, can help in strengthening the domestic research and innovation ecosystem, create synergies between the public and private sectors, and consequently facilitate the development of the country’s economy.

In addition, the chief scientist stressed that these synergies can be utilised for a wide range of professional sectors and are an important tool in the context of actions implemented for the green and digital transformation.

Moreover, he explained that he envisions the creation of a more modern and flexible country, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life of its citizens and become a productive regional hub for research, innovation and technology.

What is more, the event also included speeches and presentations by lawyer Maria Niniatsoudi, who is a member of the European Assistance For Innovation Procurement (Eafip) and specialises in public procurement and innovation.

Niniatsoudi explained the importance of both pre-commercial procurement (PCP) and the public procurement of innovative solutions (PPI), while also referencing the institutional framework and the financial tools used within it.

The event also included presentations of successful examples of public procurement, while extensive reference was made to the role played by the foundation in this effort.

Earlier this year, the chief scientist announced the creation of a national knowledge transfer, with more details due to be released during the current year.

The office will aim to commercialise academic research to facilitate the creation of services and products that can be marketed internationally, with the ultimate objective being the bolstering of the Cypriot economy.